Long-term lease looks imminent for Benoni Country Club
Ward 27 councillor Jacques Meiring is confident and positive that the Benoni Country Club (BCC) will soon sign a 30-year, long-term lease with the Ekurhuleni metro.
Meiring, on Friday, March 31 told the City Times that a report had come to his desk, following the outcomes of the public participation meeting held on November 22 last year to approve the granting of the rights to use, control or manage the remainder of portion 27 of the farm Vlakfontein 69 IR (BCC).
Read: Public says no to development of Benoni Country Club
The report, which is currently in committee and still confidential, had come to his desk requesting his comments in support or non-support of the draft items and the recommendations therein.
The councillor said that, although the contents of the report – drafted by the metro’s Real Estate Department – are not yet public, he can reveal his support for all the recommendations within it.
“I am happy and support all of the recommendations that are listed in the current draft item although I can’t disclose its contents.
“We now have to follow the due process,” said Meiring.
He said that the recommendations and comments he has submitted include:
• No support of any development of the property, nor will any infill development be supported.
• The recommendation that the metro remains the sole owner of the property.
• The right of use to be granted to BCC, to be utilised as a community sports and recreation facility only, on the grounds that BCC has maintained and upgraded the metro’s property for more than 100 years, and it is currently rated as one of the top 100 sporting facilities in the country.
• A lease period of 30 years be considered.
• A monthly rental be charged, based on the valuation conducted and stipulated in the Strategic Land Parcel (SPL) list and as presented at the public meeting.
• A minimum annual rental increase be stipulated in the agreement – taking into consideration that BCC is a Section 21 organisation dedicated to foster development sport to the greater Benoni community.
• The recommendations as set in the document are supported.
• The right for the councillor to comment on the item if there are any amendments or deviations from the current recommendations.
Based on these comments, Darren Millington, CEO of BCC, said that the club is extremely positive about the way that the issue is moving forward and is excited about signing a long-term lease in order to continue with BCC in its current form.
“The club needs to extend its thanks for the efficient and exceptional help received from our ward councillor and to the community and our members for their staunch objections.”
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
